Genetics

Genetics

DNA disorganization linked to aging

Changes in the way that DNA is tightly packed in cells leads to mayhem that promotes the aging process.

Animals

Woolly mammoth DNA shows toll of low diversity

A new sequencing analysis of two woolly mammoth genomes reveals evidence of genetic decline due to isolation and inbreeding just prior to extinction.

Genetics

Gene in human embryos altered by Chinese researchers

Chinese researchers have genetically altered human embryos.

Genetics

Genetic editing can delete deleterious mitochondria

A new technique slates mutant mitochondria for destruction.

Genetics

Depression leaves lasting mark on DNA

Stress affects cells at the molecular level.

Genetics

Mosquito bites might be foretold in genes

Attractiveness to mosquitoes could be inherited, twin study suggests.

Space

Driving Curiosity to discovery

Discovery is driven by curiosity, on Mars and closer to home.

Animals

Finland’s brown bears on surprise fast track to recover diversity

Brown bears in southern Finland show surprisingly fast improvements in genetic diversity and connections with other bears.

Animals

Whether froglets switch sexes distinguishes ‘sex races’

Rana temporaria froglets start all female in one region of Europe; in another region, new froglets of the same species have gonads of either sex.

Plants

Bits of bacterial DNA naturally lurk inside sweet potatoes

Samples of cultivated sweet potatoes worldwide carry DNA from Agrobacterium cousin of bacterium used for GMOs.

Health & Medicine

Same mutations can show up in tumors, healthy tissues

Analyzing samples of healthy and tumor tissues could pinpoint which mutations are driving cancer and help develop better-targeted treatments.

Plants

From lemons to kumquats, roots of citrus variety dug up

Citrus fruits’ lineage is traced through chloroplast DNA, revealing both maternal and paternal heritage.